Friday, September 30, 2016

Do
storks deliver? Well they do in this film! Will millions flock to see this
crazy flick? That remains to be seen. But, enough puns. The truth is “Storks”
is hilarious from beginning to end, totally exceeding my expectations. This may
be the first animated movie from Writer/Producer/Director Nicholas Stoller but it is clear
he applied the sense of humor and antics used in the direction of Neighbors (2014). Coupled with animator
and director Doug Sweetland who is known for blockbusters such as Toy Story and Monsters Inc. and you have a perfect recipe for the quality
entertainment Storks provides.

The
concept of storks delivering packages from a global Internet giant
Cornerstore.com is extremely clever well adapted to the overall plot; which
thickens when the top delivery stork, Junior, activates the baby making
machine. With his preordained promotion on the line Junior must deliver an
irresistible little girl before his boss is any the wiser.

Perfect!

Andy
Samberg is Junior and carries over a similar performance as he did when he was
Jonathan from 2012s Hotel Transylvania. But
Junior is not alone. The only human on Stork Mountain, Tulip joins the quest.
Katie Crown is Tulip and her portrayal is reminiscent of Harley in TV animated comedy series Bobs Burgers.

In
any good plot of this type there is always a nemesis. He goes by the name of
Pigeon Toady and while this is Stephen Kramer Glickman’s first animated film he
pulls the character off without a hitch. With comedian Steven Wright-like dry
humor there’s little time to recover between laughs. Prior to this he was best
known for his role as Gustavo Rocque on the Nickelodeon series Big Time Rush.

In
all honestly, I do not think that casting for the characters voices could have
been any better. Other well known’s include Kelsey Grammar of Cheers fame as Hunter, the Executive CEO
of Cornerstore and Jennifer Aniston of Friends
fame as Sarah Gardner, a prime figure in what is yet another twist to this
crazy adventure. The last time Aniston used her voice was in 1999s The Iron Giant, playing a similar
character.

This
film has multiple interwoven plots that don’t confuse and in the end will
ultimately reveal how storks are capable of restoring myth while enlightening
everyone on Stork Mountain their true purpose in the world.

Friday, September 23, 2016

Got
Kleenex? Based on the bestselling novel of the same name by M.L. Stedman, The
Light between Oceans is a compelling, heartwarming drama that takes place post
WWI. The year is 1918, the setting, Western Australia.Due to unseen circumstances Thomas Sherbourne
inherits the duty of lighthouse keeper but not before falling for Isabel
Graysmark. Due to local law women are not to visit the lighthouse unless the
woman is married to the keeper. I think you know where this is going.
Sherbourne is brilliantly played by Michael Fassbender(X-Men: Days of Future Past 2014). Alicia Vikander, (Jason Bourne 2016) and Academy Award
winner for 2015’s The Danish Girl is
captivating as Graysmark.

After
their marriage they both relish in their existence, holding every moment
together as if it were their last. And then one day, with perfect timing, Thomas
spots a rowboat bobbing in the water that has apparently drifted to the
coastline. To their amazement and joy it holds the precious cargo of a baby.
The joy however is short lived as Thomas believes the right thing to do is
report the incident while the heroine has longed for a child of her own. Newcomer
Florence Clery portrays Lucy-Grace at a young age. Her performance adds to the
tear factor as well as the drama.

The
character of Hannah Roennfeldt played by Academy
award winner Rachel Weisz (The Constant
Gardener -2005) is a key element to the film. Albeit a shorter leading role
than the rest, hers is just as important. Add up the accomplishment of the
three leading roles (Weisz, Alicia Vikander and Fassbender) you have a grand total
of 137 awards and 210 nominations.

Writer/director
Derek Cianfrance (The Place beyond the
Pines -2012) and Executive Producer Rosie Alison (Paddington-2014) accomplishes the complex task of bonding the characters
together without losing the plot or the viewers interest. Adam Arkapaw’s (Macbeth-2015) cinematography is
breathtaking. Granted it is filmed in Stanley, a quiet seaside town in
north-west Tasmania but it is the timing of the shots that add to the already
spectacular backdrop giving those particular moments extra meaning.

The Light between Oceans" will be the
last DreamWorks film to be released by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
through Touchstone Pictures under the original agreement. This film is a
testament of that success.

I
have to say that forming an opinion of this film was no easy task. It is
neither a good movie nor a bad one. Perhaps I have been spoiled by most other
child or young adult movies containing one- liners and innuendos. I kept
waiting and they never showed. What also makes this difficult is the cast of
voices are of German decent and here lies their filmography in unfamiliar
territory. Such is not the case with Director Ben Stassen who was producer of Thunder and the House (2013) and
Director Vincent Kesteloot, A Turtles
Tale 2 (2012).

However,
that being said the animated details of the highs seas and Crusoe’s ship is
impressive. The characters interaction with one another is seamless when a
daring parrot (Kaya Lanar) recounts how Robinson Crusoe came to be stranded on
a tropical island. Matthias Schweighöfer who is considered one of the most
promising young German actors uses his voice to give Robinson Crusoe life.
Crusoe is more like Pink Panthers Inspector Clouseau, very clumsy and basically
inept; until he enlists the help of this parrot named Mak who is later given
the name Tuesday by Crusoe.

But
I digress; this tiny tropical island inhabited by Mak and his quirky animal
friends find their paradise interrupted following a violent storm and wake up
to find a strange creature on the beach - Robinson Crusoe. Slowly and often
reluctantly but eventually surely, they all start living together in harmony,
until one day, when their comfortable life is overturned by two savage cats whose
hunger has them on a hunt. When a battle ensues between the cats and the group
of friends, Crusoe and the animals soon discover the true power of friendship against
all odds.

There
are moments of humor, but often they fell flat; perhaps because they were also
predictable. The cats I found to be more annoying than entertaining. One
positive thing, and I looked for anything, was their facial expressions. The
only other positive thing was the last twenty minutes in which everything comes
to a head with chase scenes and mass destruction.

Columnist Movie Mom warns “Parents
should know that this film includes a scary shipwreck, mean cats, pirates,
guns, and fire, characters drink alcohol and there is a sad off-screen death of
a character.”

Friday, September 9, 2016

I can see why this film received
negative reviews. However, I totally disagree with them. If you are looking for
a lot of sci-fi, thriller action you’ll be disappointed. Except for the opening
scene and a few others this film was devoid of captivating scenes. But when you
have the right cast and crew along with short concise dialog there is no need. What
action that is used is sufficient.

I find simple elements, like the
protagonist wearing a hood over her head the entire film adds a sense of
mystery, and cunning, making everything else unnecessary.

Writer Seth W. Owen added just the right
touch of deceit he used in Peepers (2010) while Producer Michael Schaeffer
provides the necessary element of survival instincts he incorporated in The
Martian (2015).

The plot involves corporate risk
management/loss prevention expert Lee Weathers (Kate Mara) who is sent to investigate
a terrifying accident at a secluded top-secret laboratory that specializes in
genetic engineering. While Weathers investigates she becomes aware of Morgan’s
ability to exhibit infinite promise and incalculable danger. This and the fact
that rapid progression has her walking and talking within one month and
self-sufficient after just six, thicken the plot. The role of this humanoid with unmatched intelligence
is convincingly played by Anya Taylor-Joy (The Witch, 2015).

When a group of scientist, led by
psychologist and chief scientist Dr. Simon Ziegler (Toby Jones), becomes
embroiled in a decision to terminate their experiment (Morgan), this seemingly
innocent “human” with super human qualities user her abilities to outwit and
neutralize the threat. With a soft spoken demeanor and athletic prowess the
outcome appears obvious. However her allies are not, and this is what I believe
separates Morgan from other films in the same genre.

Whether or not this debut will become a
blockbuster is doubtful, but don’t be discouraged by that. Morgan is a fresh
off the shelf sci-fi thriller that uses an equal combination of the unknown and
the obvious. Morgan was 92 minutes that seemed like 60 and I like that.
Introduce the characters, establish the plot and deliver captivating twists and
call it good. Ridley Scott’s name has always been synonymous with sci-fi films.
Well, the gene pool must be deep. His son Luke Scott has managed to mirror his
father’s talent in what is his directorial debut.

Friday, September 2, 2016

Finally, a horror-suspense film I can
really sink my teeth into! True to its title, take the advice. Set in a not so
acceptable neighborhood of Detroit, three miscreants elect to rob a house
occupied by a wealthy but blind war veteran. This decision is fueled by Rocky
(Jane Levy). A young woman wanting to provide a better life for her and her
little sister, she agrees to be a part of the robbery researched and set up by
boyfriend Money (Daniel Zovatto). To round out the trio is the reluctant mutual
friend of both, Alex (Dylan Minnette). This decision, although well planned
becomes their worst nightmare!

As they become discovered the plot
unfolds it becomes evident there is no immediate clear means of escape. Trapped
and terrified is only the beginning.

Stephen Lang (2009s Avatar) delivers an
equal menacing performance as the blind man who’s name, according to Director
Alvarez, is Norman Nordstrom. But there is more than meets the eye to this
character. He has a secret and when that is accidently discovered the plot
thickens, but not before their presence in his house is discovered. A game of
cat and mouse ensues and this is where the movie shines.

What truly elevate this motion picture above
others are the elements, or sometimes lack thereof, used to accentuate the
situation. Director/screenwriter/producer Fede Alvarez (Evil Dead 2013) takes
viewers to another level of suspense with the excellent and very effective use
of shadow and light.

To further emphasize Nordstrom’s
blindness there are many instances of silence and when used, the background
sound is well placed at key moments. Co-writer Rodo Sayagues (Evil Dead 2013)
adds just the right touch to particular scenes in the form of disturbing shock
effect. For an hour and a half Jane Levy (Evil Dead 2013), Dylan Minnette
(Goosebumps 2015) and Daniel Zovatto (Fear the Waling Dead 2015) will leave
audiences on the edge of their seats. Even the blind man’s beloved pet
Rottweiler and protector will raise the hair on your arms. In the end, Nordstrom
will have you drawing a line. Do I hate him or feel sorry?

With an estimated budget of $10 million,
it is money well spent and so was the price of admission.